Airborne 12.09.16

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Airborne 12.09.16

Orders 15 Dreamliners, 25 NextGen 737s

Boeing says it's a done deal: newcomer Primaris Airlines has
decided to go with the Boeing 7E7-8 Dreamliner and the 737-800 as
the cornerstone for the airlines' future fleet development.

The airline announced plans to purchase 20 737-800s and 20
7E7-8s, with options for an additional 25 737-800s and 15 7E7-8s.
The firm purchases would be worth approximately $3.8 billion at
list prices. Contract negotiations are expected to conclude later
this year. Deliveries of the 737-800s will begin in 2007 and the
7E7-8s in 2010.

"Primaris is the first low-cost carrier to select the 7E7
Dreamliner. Its decision validates the 7E7 Dreamliner as a catalyst
for new business models," said Mike Bair, Boeing vice president and
general manager of the 7E7 program. "The 7E7 will be the airplane
of choice for many types of carriers, including network carriers,
low-cost carriers, and charter and leisure carriers. It's an
incredibly versatile machine."

Primaris joins a growing team of 7E7 launch customers including
ANA (All Nippon Airways), a regional and international carrier; Air
New Zealand, a long-haul airline; and Europe's Blue Panorama and
First Choice, both leisure and scheduled-service carriers.
Negotiations continue with additional launch team customers
worldwide.

"We welcome Primaris to the team. With the 737s and 7E7s in its
fleet, the airline will capitalize on the superior economics, fast
turnaround times and low maintenance of Boeing airplanes. Both
airplanes fit perfectly into the operational cost structure that is
proven with successful low-cost carriers," said Bair.

Primaris is an emerging commercial airline offering distinctive
value for business travelers. Primaris plans to equip the
Next-Generation 737s with 94 seats in an all business class, while
the 7E7s will seat approximately 150 passengers in an all business
class. The US domestic carrier intends to build a route structure
serving domestic and international business travelers starting in
2005.

The Boeing 7E7 Dreamliner is being designed with airlines,
passengers, investors and the environment in mind. The
technologically advanced airplane will use 20 percent less fuel
than today's airplanes of comparable size, provide customers with
up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity, and present
passengers with innovations including a new interior environment
with higher humidity, wider seats and aisles, larger windows, and
other conveniences.